Spurs Sack Frank as Four Names Emerge for Permanent Role

Tottenham have axed Thomas Frank following a disappointing 2-1 loss to Newcastle United on Tuesday evening, with the Magpies running rings around the Spurs outfit in a dominant opening period.

Jacob Ramsey's strike proved decisive for the visitors, handing Tottenham their 11th league defeat of the campaign and stretching their winless run to eight matches. Sitting 16th in the table, the club's hierarchy decided Wednesday morning that change was required.

In an official statement, Spurs confirmed Frank's departure: "The Club has taken the decision to make a change in the Men's Head Coach position and Thomas Frank will leave today. Thomas was appointed in June 2025, and we have been determined to give him the time and support needed to build for the future together. However, results and performances have led the Board to conclude that a change at this point in the season is necessary."

The club added: "Throughout his time at the Club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the Club forward. We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future."

The Candidates

Journalist Ben Jacobs has outlined the potential successors being considered by the north London outfit. Mauricio Pochettino features as a candidate for the permanent vacancy, though he remains unavailable until after the World Cup concludes.

Roberto De Zerbi, sacked by Marseille on Tuesday, has emerged as another option, while Andoni Iraola is also in the frame. Both managers were appreciated by Daniel Levy prior to his departure and rejected advances previously.

Frank's recently appointed assistant John Heitinga has been mooted as a possible interim solution and remains under contract.

According to Jacobs' reporting, the decision to remove Frank came from Spurs' leadership team, including Vinai Venkatesham and Johan Lange, with recommendation to the board. Nick Beucher, representing the Lewis family ownership despite not sitting on the board, was also involved and active in the process.

Interim Route Most Likely

Sky Sports News has suggested that an interim appointment through to the season's conclusion represents the most probable path forward for the club. Given the anticipated managerial carousel across various clubs this summer, waiting until then to assess available targets makes strategic sense.

Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace, Marco Silva at Fulham, and Andoni Iraola all see their contracts expire at the end of June. All three were monitored by Spurs last summer when Frank was the preferred choice, with Glasner having already indicated his intention to depart Selhurst Park.

The appointment of an interim manager would allow Tottenham breathing room to identify their long-term solution without rushing into a decision during a congested fixture period.